NFL draft shows teams again paying attention to HBCU talent

Early-round selection of Darius Leonard and Brandon Parker proves it

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Since the debut of former North Carolina A&T running back and current Chicago Bears standout Tarik Cohen, interest in historically black college prospects is on the rise. With that kind of interest it might not be long until we see another golden age of HBCU NFL talent.

In this year’s NFL draft, former South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard was selected in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 36th pick overall. That makes the two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year and the Bulldogs’ all-time leader in tackles, one of the highest HBCU prospects taken in recent history.

Tarik Cohen Chicago Bears VIDEO: https://youtu.be/-BR-i75Yfzc

“If you are a ballplayer, they can find you,” said Leonard. “Just because you didn’t go to a big-time school like Clemson, Carolina or Alabama, you still can get picked high in the draft if you are doing all the right things and if you got that right tape, you can still be a great ball player.”

Leonard believes his speed, athleticism and intelligence about the game can help get him on the field in Indianapolis early. However, it’s his work ethic and ubiquitous “chip on his shoulder” that could turn Leonard into a standout performer for the Colts.

“You have to make the best of your opportunity to stand out. I wanted to go to Clemson, and with them not offering, I had a big chip on my shoulder,” said Leonard. “I think personally I work harder than anybody in the NFL draft because in my head I want to be the best.”

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